The FINANCIAL — Aetna, a CVS Health company, announced that it is waiving member cost-sharing related to the COVID-19 vaccination for Commercial and Medicaid members. For Medicare, CMS has indicated it will cover the full cost of the vaccine for all Medicare beneficiaries, including those in a Medicare Advantage plan, in 2020 and 2021.
According to CVS Health, in addition, Aetna extended a series of cost-share waivers as part of its continued steps to help members access the care they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extended waivers include:
Waiving member cost-sharing for inpatient admissions for treatment of COVID-19 or health complications associated with COVID-19 for Commercial insured and Medicare Advantage plan members, through January 31, 2021.
Waiving member cost-sharing for covered in-network telemedicine visits for outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services for Commercial insured plan members, through January 31, 2021.
Waiving member cost-sharing for covered in-network telemedicine visits for medical and behavioral health services for Aetna Student Health plan members through January 31, 2021.
Waiving member cost-sharing for in-network telemedicine visits for Medicare Advantage members for specialist visits, which includes mental and behavioral health providers, through January 31, 2021.
Waiving Medicare Advantage member cost-sharing for all in-network primary care visits, whether done in-office and via telehealth, for any reason, through January 31, 2021.
Aetna continues to waive member cost-sharing for diagnostic testing related to COVID-19 for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid members. “We are closely monitoring the progress of the pandemic, federal and state policies and the associated impact on our members, customers and providers. We’ll continue to adjust our policies, as appropriate, to ensure access to care,” CVS Health notes.
